When the TV crews and print media start showing up in droves, you know it's a big game. We asked our coaches how big of a distraction is it for a team when there is a huge buzz around a game like Saturday's Virginia Tech-Miami or Bowden Bowl II with FSU-Clemson. Here's what they said:

Mike Gottfried One thing about college football teams that is sure as shootin': everyone likes their routines. Players notice the buzz because their routines change. The players and coaches know what they're going to do everyday to prepare for the upcoming game, and anything out of the ordinary tells a team there is more importance on a particular game. When ESPN comes walking in the door, and there's a million newspaper guys around, you know something's up. If the buzz is handled correctly, it shouldn't be a distraction. Coaches have to step in and allocate time for the media crush. The hype is a positive experience, because it simply shows the importance of the ball game. Truly, the players enjoy the media and the limelight, especially if it's their first time in a big game. The coach needs to caution his players that every week isn't like this, so enjoy it while you can, because it's part of college football -- but never, ever lose sight of the goal: winning. Where the buzz can often become a distraction is the week after the big game. The following week, when you play a game that isn't so big, the coach has to make sure his players don't have a letdown. Every game, big or small, counts for the same amount of wins -- one. If the big game was worth two wins, then it would be different; but it's not. As a coach, you have to make sure your players don't lose sight of that simple fact.

John Mackovic When I coached at Illinois and Texas, the players would wait each week to see how many television trucks would show up during the week of a big game. One truck was expected. Two trucks would get them excited. But three trucks meant this game was BIG and there would be plenty of cameras and usually the top announcing crew. Throw in the ESPN Gameday Trucks, and there is hardly any room for the patrons. Now that is excitement. I preferred preparation as the visiting team because of all the distractions the home team faces during the week. Most writers would arrive at the game site early, and they wanted access to players and coaches over and above the usual allotted time. Most coaches cut off the interviews after Tuesday or Wednesday, but rarely do they ignore the wishes of the top television crews who want just one more minute with them on Thursday or Friday. As the visitor, you just practice and wait for the trip to the game; not many interviews other than the normal amount. Excitement builds on any college campus as the games have more meaning. Many times the oldest, most veteran professors have the most enjoyment with the event as they watch the light in the eyes of students throughout the week. Forget the notion that faculty members do not care -- they do. The most critical point of emphasis for the team is to maintain a regular schedule and allocate the same amount of time to off the field preparation like film review, and study. With so many ticket requests coming in, players might spend too much time hustling for family wishes. I asked the players to get the tickets out of the way by Wednesday, and I did the same for my family. Excitement can bring increased focus or diminished focus. There is no denying the stimulation of the team. The key is to turn the event into something positive as Oklahoma did last week when they hosted Nebraska in the biggest game in Norman in over a decade. Keep the practices low-key and make sure everyone is paying attention to the details of the game plan. Do not wind everyone up too tightly early in the week. Enjoy the attention, but find ways to shut it out when there is work to be done.

Bill Curry The buzz is real, and could be better described as a roar these days, with a growing crescendo at the approach of each games that carries national championship implications. There is nothing in the charters of our institutions of higher learning that provides for college football teams competing with the NFL for the sports and gambling dollar. But that is precisely what is happening, despite the best intentions of coaches and administrators who would prefer that these things stay in perspective. There is so much money, and so much passion attached to today's "Big" games that the participants honestly find it difficult to make their way into the locker room and onto the field by game day. Teams experiencing the distractions for the first time seldom do well, tending to be overwhelmed during crucial preparation time. The most notable exception of this season is the Oklahoma team, which was terrific after a shaky start against Nebraska. Bob Stoops could write a best seller about how he kept his players' heads on straight in that explosive atmosphere. Just as difficult is the aftermath, with which he is dealing at this instant. The Sooners have a whole lot of football before them, including a likely rematch with Nebraska. Hearing the cascades of praise coming their way right now will not help. The huge games involve the obvious: hordes of media descending on the campus, pep rallies, WWII headlines, ticket demand and tailgating ad nauseam (literally). But they also involve the subtle distractions that can unglue a team. Even the linemen are interviewed, occasionally as far down as the center. Imagine talking to ESPN The Magazine, with it being your first ever interview. Not only do students say dumb things to you, but professors go bonkers, and take to calling your name during class to inquire about the team's preparedness. And the ever present gambling faction is always around, trying to get an edge in information. Coach Vince Lombardi used to say, "If your mother calls and asks how you are, you say 'fine Mom', even if your arm is shattered. Tell them nothing!" You hear from childhood friends whom you cannot remember. "Hi Bill, remember me? We were in the third grade together!" I finally learned to answer, "No, I do not, but how many tickets do you need?" It is endless. Friday finally arrives, and Mom and Dad show up with 27 relatives, all of whom want to hug you and tell you the family pride is squarely on your shoulders. Does the noise matter? You bet...well, let me rephrase that. Yes indeed. But somehow the guys get through it and manage to function so we can continue to have at least one "Game of the Century" every week or two.